These recent ‘self-audit’ cases of the eight organizations handled by EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional office had potential penalties ranging from $1,000 to about $764,000 for environmental violations that the agency determined caused no harm to human health or the environment. Altogether, the eight companies located in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia avoided about $1.2 million in fines.
“EPA wants to acknowledge companies that make a concerted effort to protect the environment,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator. “Promptly disclosing violations, correcting them, and acting to prevent future problems is the responsible thing to do.”
EPA’s audit policy can cover most regulatory requirements under the agency’s environmental statutes, such as reporting on using or storing toxic chemicals, proper record keeping, oil spill prevention measures, and notifying residential tenants about the presence of lead-based paint.
In the cases announced today, each company discovered its potential violations during an environmental compliance audit and reported these violations to the EPA. Because the companies satisfied all of the conditions of EPA’ self-disclosure policy and the amount of economic benefits gained were insignificant, EPA waived potential penalties.
In self-audit cases, the EPA determines if a company qualifies for a penalty waiver under the agency’s audit policy, which substantially reduces, and often eliminates, penalties for a company that takes action to report and correct violations. The policy excludes criminal acts, violations resulting in significant harm to public health or the environment, or violations that economically benefit the company.
The recent self-audit cases include:
Harrisburg, Pa. – Widener University School of Law Harrisburg Campus
In March 2004, Widener University self-reported violations to EPA under three environmental statutes. EPA found three violations: non-compliance with three requirements for managing waste. A $1,650 penalty was waived. EPA has made additional efforts to encourage compliance and self-disclosure in an agreement with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania.
Waynesburg, Pa. - Waynesburg College
Waynesburg College self-disclosed violations under five statutes. Violations were found for failure to notify tenants about the presence of lead-based paint, not following the proper procedures for managing hazardous waste, and failure to follow necessary oil spill prevention requirements. The corrections have been made. Through an agreement with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania, EPA encourages compliance and self-disclosure of violations at college facilities and campuses. As a participant under that agreement and due to EPA’s self-audit policy, Waynesburg College received a $74,524 penalty waiver.
Click here to view the EPA’s audit policy. For information on audits and compliance assistance, click here.
For information on environmental management systems, click here.
